The Seven Churches Trail

Informationen zur Tour The Seven Churches Trail

Tour Hauptmerkmale

Duration

3:00 h

Distance

8.7km

Altitude

450 m

Altitude

450 m

Max. height

917 m

Roundtrip trail to the seven churches above Bressanone

Directions

The »Seven Churches« – built centuries ago, and now wonderfully renovated – stand in testimony to the Christian faith. Every year, on the third Sunday in September, the Pilgrimage of the Deanery of Brixen / Bressanone is held (The Procession of the Seven Churches).

Starting point

Restaurant Wirth an der Mahr

Target point

Restaurant Wirth an der Mahr

Specificity

Stations along the route1. Where Am I Headed?
In all religions, the religious interpretation of the “path of life” has found expression in pilgrimages. In Christianity, the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela – as a consequence of which St. James became the patron saint of pilgrimages – has had a prominent role since the 9th Century. In our country, too, churches consecrated to St. James can be found in many places along heavily trafficked routes, where they invite weary travelers to pause for a moment of reflection. A person who embarks upon a path has a goal in mind. Where am I headed?

2. The Source of Life Is with YouJohn the Baptist is the church’s main patron saint. He reminds everyone who believes in Christ of the gift of new life bestowed by baptism and, at the same time, of the resultant obligation, like John, to invoke the name of Jesus. According to church tradition, the second patron saint of the church – St. Clemens – was the third bishop of Rome after the Apostle Peter. According to the legend, the Roman emperor banned Clemens to the Crimean peninsula – condemning him to labor in the notorious mines, where there was hardly any water to drink. He was instructed by a vision to strike the stone with his hoe – as with Moses, clear spring water then gushed forth. This calls to mind our origin in God, who is the origin and source of our life and of all life.

3. He spoke, and it came to pass...
Words are not fleeting, meaningless things. Words can wound – but they can also heal. Words can strengthen, but they can also oppress. Words can sicken, but they can also restore health. St. John the Evangelist attributed the origin of the world to the mighty Word of God. With God, the word and reality are one in the same. What He says will also come to pass! People, too, utter words. But what happens then?

4. What you give away is yours
It is difficult for us today to properly evaluate St. Nicolas as an historical personage. But the legends surrounding his life and deeds portray him as a person who sought courageously and creatively for solutions to the problems of mankind. He invites us to follow his example in dealing generously and magnanimously with our fellow man. In essence, this is based upon the logical paradox of life that we lose what we seek to hold on to and that we gain by giving away.

6. What remains is a gift from those who love
The church of Pinzagen / Pinzago is consecrated to St. Ulrich and St. Valentine of Rhaetia (Saint’s Day: January 7). In the church, frescoes also recall St. Valentine of Terni, the patron saint of Lovers (Saint’s Day: February 14). Many feel that the word “love” is overused, and has become a platitude. But one should not forget that love imposes the highest demands. In the end, the meaning of our life is based upon the love that we have experienced and shared with others.

7. Where Do I Come from?
The little church of St. Cyril is the goal of the European Trail of Reflection. This trail emphasizes the European saints, in connection with the idea of a united Europe. When I know where I come from, I can understand where I want to go. From the Christian point of view, the origin is the goal: I want to return to the place from which I came.